Detection of Metals in Soil by Spark Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy--Physical Sciences, Inc., 20 New England Business Center, Andover, MA 01810-1077; (978) 689-0003
Dr. Amy J.R. Hunter, Principal Investigator
Mr. George E. Caledonia, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-98ER82643
Amount: $74,976

Efforts to remediate DOE hazardous waste sites contaminated with metal pollutants are slowed by lack of practical field screening devices for the measurement of these materials. The availability of rapid field screening for metals will speed site characterization by minimizing the number of samples requiring laboratory analysis. The overall goal of this project is the development of a prototype field screening device for metals in soil based upon spark-induced spectroscopy (SIBS), which makes use of an electric spark to simultaneously atomize and excite metals atoms. Following this excitation, the atomic emission is used to identify and quantitate the metals present in a sample. Phase I of this project is the proof-of-principle that SIBS can be used to observe lead and chromium in a soil matrix. It will explore matrix and co-contaminant effects upon the method, among other parameters. At the end of Phase I, a preliminary design of the Phase II instrument will have been developed.

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The development of a simple, rugged and inexpensive field screening tool for metals will speed site characterization in the private sector as well as in DOE operations.